The only real difference between these policies is related to their investment and growth avenues.

While a universal policy’s growth is fixed through interest and cash value gains within the policy, a variable policy lets the owner take greater risks with potentially higher rewards by investing in the stock market.

You’ll also need to deal with a registered representative from the carrier to purchase this type of policy.

Whole

However, when you deal with a mutual company like Guardian, your whole life policy also has the potential for extra growth.

This is what makes Guardian so enticing for those who need both guarantees and some amount of permanent life insurance coverage.

While not guaranteed, Guardian Life Insurance Company has paid a dividend, which goes into the cash value portion of a whole life policy, and they’ve maintained some amount of the dividend every single year going back to 1868.

The rest of the product is fairly straightforward, carrying level premiums, a guaranteed minimum death benefit, and a stated rate of growth.

You also have access to cash via loans or surrender, but they do change how the product will grow in the future.

Other Products

In addition, Long Term Care Insurance (LTCi) is available, along with disability insurance.

Aside from insurance, Guardian also has investment and retirement options available for families and individuals alike, with choices like 401(k), IRA, mutual funds, and annuities.

It continues its group products as well, focusing on dental, disability and life.

Similar retirement and investment options are made for business owners and their employees, as well as business continuation planning, but they can be individualized to suit the needs of the situation accordingly.

Alternatives to Guardian

Whether Guardian appears to have the policy to meet your needs or not, take a few moments to compare alternatives.

The companies below lead the pack in catering to specific life insurance needs.

As you shop around for the right policy, give these companies a look:

Banner Life: If you’re looking for cost-effective term life insurance, you’ll save money with Banner Life. Their underwriting is exceptional, whether you’re in excellent health or not-so-excellent health, and they specialize in affordable term life policies.

Protective: If you’re drawn to Guardian’s universal policies but want to know how they stack up, check out Protective. They have some of the most customizable universal policies out there, and they’re competitively priced.

Northwestern Mutual: Guardian isn’t the only historied mutual company in the industry. Northwestern Mutual rivals the company with comparable whole life policies. The company is definitely worth a look for permanent coverage.

What We Like About Guardian

We’re obviously fans of Guardian.

Here are some of the provider’s standout features:

Excellent reputation: Guardian has one of the most sterling names in the industry, with more than a century of exceptional business practices under its belt.

Superior financial ratings: Along those lines, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a provider with better ratings than Guardian. It receives stellar scores across the board, whereas many life insurance carriers aren’t even scored by some of the major agencies.

Mutual company: If you’re looking to invest with your life insurance policy, Guardian’s structure could be advantageous, allowing you to earn even more. It’s also beneficial to have ownership in the company.

Product lineup: Guardian offers a variety of life insurance products, plus a whole host of retirement accounts and other insurance products. It could be your one-stop-shop.

Customer support: Guardian’s online account management tools are convenient and user-friendly. You can also work with their agents to get the most out of your life insurance.

What We Don’t Like About Guardian

While Guardian is an excellent company, there are a couple of potentially negative aspects of partnering with the company:

Conservative underwriting: If you have some high risk factors, namely ones related to your health, you may not fair well with Guardian’s underwriting methods.

Term life rates: While Guardian’s term life products aren’t outrageously priced, they aren’t the most competitive either. Chances are you’ll find lower rates with a company which specializes in term life products.

Final Thoughts On Guardian

With a business structured to help individuals, families, and small and large businesses, Guardian has cleared a path for long-standing, trusted success.

It has a seasoned history, and its business model continues to be successful through the rising and falling tides of our economy year after year.

If you like to have your insurance and investments in one place, Guardian can help.

While Guardian is a phenomenal company to entrust with your universal or whole life products, you may want to find another company for term life.

Regardless of what type of policy you’re looking for, make sure to compare multiple options, getting quotes from a number of providers.